JUNCTION CITY - Barton Community College President Dr. Carl Heilman was one of at least 2,000 people who reportedly listened to more than three hours of public comments Monday, at a listening session about possible reductions at Fort Riley. He spoke in favor of keeping personnel at current levels at the base, as did U.S. Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran, and Gov. Sam Brownback.

Two youths playing with a lighter started a grass fire that damaged two trailer houses on Sunday, Great Bend Fire Chief Mike Napolitano reported. Human activity also led to two fire calls on Saturday, although one was contained to a grill.

The prosecution rested Monday afternoon and the first defense witnesses were called as Jeffrey Wade Chapman's trial entered its second week. Chapman is charged with the first-degree murder of Damon Galyardt on Nov. 11, 2011.

The Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit, "Hometown Teams: How Sports Shaped America," and a local exhibit on hometown "Heros on the Sideline" opened Saturday at the Ellinwood School/Community Library, located at 210 N. Schiller Ave.

Central Kansas CASA will reach a milestone this year, celebrating its 30th year of helping area children. On Saturday, Feb. 7, the nonprofit organization will reach another milestone, holding its 10th annual Chocolate Auction.

Jury selection starts Monday for the trial of Jeffrey Wade Chapman, who is charged with the first-degree murder of 25-year-old Damon Galyardt. District Judge Ron Svaty said 220 potential jurors have been summoned.